Appeal for WW1 sculpture hits target

The sculpture, being created in Beltane Studios, Peebles, Edinburgh, is now well advanced as can be seen from the illustration of the first day with clay.

Sammy said: “With the help of Council, local business, groups, individuals, the community, and those who helped with street collections and at fundraising events, we have met the full cost of the sculpture.

“This is indeed a great tribute to our heros in this the 100th anniversary year of the great war. We have had a further street collection and night at the races which raised a further £2,226 and donations are still coming in. We have some ancilliary costs for accommodation and repair works at the site to undertake, but I am now confident that we will secure sufficient funds to complete the works and have the cenotaph in excellent shape for our dedication ceremony which is planned for 1st November. More online!

Commenting on the success of the appeal Mayor Bill Kennedy said: “The people of Ballymoney, both organisations and individuals, have proved just how generous they are.

“Since the appeal was launched at the end of July this year they have displayed a level of enthusiasm and dedication that has helped make our goal of a bronze sculpture at the town’s cenotaph a reality in less than three months of fundraising, spearheaded by Sammy McClements and the Cultural & Heritage Society, after the appeal was kickstarted by Council.

“There has been a lot of positive public reaction to the appeal. I think people have put a bit more effort into completing the fundraising because of the centenary of the First World War – it’s spurred people on to try and get it done. A big thank you to everyone who donated. It is a fitting tribute to our local heros that in this 100th anniversary year we will have a bronze sculpture at Ballymoney’s Cenotaph.”